Nav Social Menu

30 in 30: 30 Business Lessons I’ve Learned from My Thirty-Year Career

The other night I was reflecting on the 30+ years that I’ve been in business. I grabbed the notebook sitting on the bed stand and started writing down the things that I’ve found to be the most important.

If someone were to ask me what advice I had for people working in our industry, I’d have to start with these. Hope you enjoy!

1. It’s okay to dream big but don’t forget to take the small steps that are necessary to build your business.

2. Getting there really is the best part. Enjoy all the steps along the way.

3. Make a practice of paying off your business credit card every month.

4. Save. Every week. Get a savings account for your business and watch that balance grow. You’ll be happy you did this when it comes to paying quarterly taxes.

5. Not all clients are the right fit for you. When you realize this, you create the opportunity for your ideal clients to show up.

6. Meet colleagues and pursue friendships with them. Their support will be essential to your success.

7. Everyone has a blind spot. You can’t see what may be obvious to others like your talents, your best use of time, projects that can be profitable. Find that person in your life that can point out what you don’t see.

8. There will be many times when you feel disappointed or impatient or frustrated about your business. Give it a day or two. Inspiration and courage will show up in time to change your perspective.

9. If there’s an occasion where you were less than professional (not calling back in a timely fashion, being late for an appointment, forgetting important notes at home) do what you can to make it right. And then move on.

10. Don’t compare your career to others. Your business is your own.

11. Tackle the client’s biggest problem first. When you solve that, she’ll trust you with so much more. It’s a win-win relationship.

Who knew how much jeans would change in 30 years

12. Don’t assume no one reads your newsletters or Facebook posts. Some people absorb content quietly.

13. The best antidote to the fear of public speaking is preparation.

14. Practice the beginning and ending of your presentation. Everything else about your talk can be malleable.

15. Listen three times more than you speak.

16. Pick up the phone and talk to your clients, associates, or colleagues. Good relationships depend on it.

17. Your best day won’t be every day. It’s okay.

18. Your worst day won’t be every day. That’s all right, too.

19. Express client appreciation with cards, notes, small gifts, and acts of kindness. Never underestimate how memorable these gestures are for your client.

20. A good night’s sleep is your best tool for a successful client appointment.

21. Arrive early to appointments even if it’s just by five minutes. You’ll be more at ease.

A perfect color for my client, Sara

22. Never expect a client to remember every tip you’ve shared with them. While fashion and style is your first language, it’s a foreign language to them. Be a patient wardrobe coach.

23. Dress well for all parts of your life. You are your best advertisement for your services.

24. If you wake up thinking you’re an imposter and you’re never going to be good enough, press refresh. Focus on your client’s wellbeing and your fear will disappear.

25. Leave your personal life out of your professional life.

26. Acknowledge your wins and accomplishments each week. Share them with someone.

27. Get interested in your money. Learn to read a profit and loss statement.

28. When you tell someone what you do for a living and they say, “You get paid for doing t-h-a-t??!!” tell them, “Yes, handsomely.”